New 'Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' Trailer Anticipates Major Deaths
Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20, 2026.
The newest The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping trailer highlighted a young Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) in some of the most gruesome combat scenes in the whole franchise. For those who read the book, the latest one written by Suzanne Collins, a handful of the scenes shown already indicated that the new Hunger Games won't be an easy watch.
Be mindful of major The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping story spoilers below.
Right at the start of the trailer, the audience can see a glimpse of the District 12's presentation chaos, where Louella (Molly McCan), dies immediately after being thrown out of a chariot. In an attempt to rapidly cover her death and find a replacement for the Games, the Capitol presents the District 12 three remaining tributes with a fragile District 11 girl, who was named Lou Lou by them in order to ease the substitution.
Played by Iona Bell, Lou Lou never gets a chance to prepare herself for the arena environment, as she is severely drugged by the Capitol. Her scenes with Haymitch are there to anticipate what their caring relationship with one another will be like before her final moments.
Lastly, Maysilee Donner (McKenna Grace) also got a chance to shine in the trailer. One of Haymitch's most important allies, the twin to Merrilee proves herself to be a determined fighter and a good friend to him, but the bird swarm scene shown in the trailer unfortunately confirms the film will go deep into what is one of the most significant losses for Haymitch.
Even though the trailer wasn't shy to anticipate a few of the most memorable moments, the future Hunger Games film is full of even more heartbreaking moments—so prepare your tissue for the theaters.
Everything you need to know about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
Once again directed by Francis Lawrence, who helmed every feature film in the saga except the first, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping adapts the book of the same name released early in 2025. It was also announced that Billy Ray wrote the screenplay.
The film’s cast includes some major names. Joseph Zada will play the lead, Haymitch Abernathy, who was portrayed by Woody Harrelson in the films starring Jennifer Lawrence. Elle Fanning will play Effie Trinket, McKenna Grace is Maysilee Donner, Maya Hawke will play Wiress, and Ben Wang plays Wyatt Callow. Among the older characters are Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee, Glenn Close as Drusilla Sickle, Scot Greenan as Burdock Everdeen, Grace Ackary as Astric March, Melody Chikakane Brown as Meeney, and Jefferson White as Mr. McCoy.
The the official synopsis of the book reads: "As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight ... and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena".
Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters on November 20, 2026.
